Zebra loach in with a betta?

[tinymitymo]

I have a betta and half a dozen cherry shrimp in a 5 gallox hex Eclipse tank at work. I have some anubias on a rock and some floating hornwart in there too. Lately I've had an explosion of tiny snails. Do you think I could add one zebra loach into the tank? Right now there is no heater though as I noticed one day Silk was very sluggish and when I went to feed him the water seemed too warm. Sure enough - my heater was stuck on and the temp was 88 in there. I have it unplugged and he's much livelier in the 74ish temp it stays at. I'm bummed about the heater since I paid about $30 for it only a couple of months ago.
I would think I'd need to add a tiny cave for the loach to hide in though as the little bridge ornament may not be enough of a hidey hole for him.
Would a loach be ok not being fed on weekends like is the case now?

[ImAGMan]

Not Enough Room in a 5gal.....should be kept in groups...

[jm1212]

one by itself will get way to big for a 5 gallon hex, and they should be in groups of five or more.

[rwilliams254]

Get the loach...let him eat the snails... find a home for him or return him. Either way, problem solved.

[Lukee]

i agree^^

[zazz]

or, pick out snails, reduce feeding to avoid reoccurance.
betta might nible a couple.
enjoy the remaining snails

[Lupin]

or, pick out snails, reduce feeding to avoid reoccurance.
betta might nible a couple.
enjoy the remaining snails
Better than get and return the fish.;)